Orchiectomy is a term used to describe surgical removal of one or both testicles. The spelling of this word might be confusing to some as it does not follow the typical English spelling rules. The word is derived from two Greek terms: "orchis" meaning testicle, and "ektome" meaning excision. Hence, the word is spelled as it is to reflect its Greek origin. Its phonetic transcription according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /ɔːrkɪˈɛktəmi/.
Orchiectomy is a medical procedure that refers to the surgical removal of one or both testicles in males. The word "orchiectomy" is derived from the Latin words "orchis," meaning testicle, and "ectomy," meaning the surgical removal of a body part.
An orchiectomy may be performed for a variety of reasons, including the treatment of testicular cancer, the prevention of the spread of cancer to other parts of the body, or to alleviate symptoms associated with certain hormonal imbalances. It is also commonly performed as a gender-affirming surgery for individuals who are transitioning from male to female, as it helps in achieving a more feminine appearance and reducing testosterone production.
The procedure is typically carried out under general anesthesia by a skilled urologist or surgeon. Two main approaches can be used - an inguinal approach, where an incision is made in the groin area to remove the testicles, or a scrotal approach, where the incision is made directly in the scrotum. The method chosen depends on the specific circumstances of the patient and the reason for the surgery.
Following an orchiectomy, patients may experience temporary discomfort or swelling, which can usually be managed with pain medication. Hormone replacement therapy may also be recommended to maintain overall hormonal balance and prevent any negative effects resulting from the decrease in testosterone levels.
In summary, orchiectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of one or both testicles, performed for various medical and gender transition reasons.
Castration, removal of one or both testicles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "orchiectomy" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "orchis" (meaning "testicle") and "ektomē" (meaning "excision" or "cutting out").